Smriti and Mithali steer India to a 9-wicket win against Proteas

Winning the first T20 with utmost comfort, Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side looked invincible in the second of the five T20s that was played at Buffalo Park on Friday. Chasing a modest total of 143, openers Mithali Raj (76 not out) and Smriti Mandhana (52) provided a dream start to the visitors. The opening partnership of 106 runs that came off just 14.2 overs set the tone for the run chase. Raj and Mandhana hit boundaries at will and their running between the wickets ensured that the South African bowlers had to make necessary adjustments with their line and lengths to bowl to the left hand – right hand combination. In the end, India cruised to an easy win by nine wickets and chased down the target with five balls to spare. Mithali Raj was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

Putting the Proteas to bat first, the Indians restricted the hosts to a humble 142-7 in 20 overs. The spin twins in the form of Anuja Patil and Poonam Yadav were the pick of the bowlers accounting for two wickets apiece. Sune Luus (33) looked solid but failed to find an able ally to take the home team to a commanding total.

With India leading the five match T20 series 2-0, the Women in Blue will look to wrap up the series when they meet van Niekerk-led South African team in the next fixture on Sunday at Johannesburg. 

Source: Indiatimes.com